Barking all the time....

United States
July 14, 2009 3:14pm CST
Our one dog barks the entire time we are gone from the house. Our neighbors are getting sick of him and I do not know how to stop it. We have tried putting him in cage, locking in bedroom, special collars, what do we do? when home we can stop him with just a word, but what to do when not home?
3 responses
• United States
14 Jul 09
I have a a really huge pillow that I bought at the store for my dog's kennel. It is a dog bed, but it is fluffy. I do agree with they toys, and maybe a chew toy as well, something to keep him busy. It sounds like separation anxiety. Maybe if you have a piece of clothing that you don't want anymore with your scent on it, if you put it in the kennel with the toys, it may make him feel close to you. Also if you have a tv or radio that you could put in the room with him at a low volume he would have something to listen to. Outside of that I would try behavior training, but as a last resort. I hope you can find something that works for him.
• United States
14 Jul 09
It's me. He doesn't do it when anyone else leaves. He even does it when I leave and my other family members are home, but they can calm him down after a bit. I tried leaving my pillow out because I figured it would smell like me..needless to say I wound up cleaning up fluff for 2 hrs after I got home. You would not believe what a mess those things can make!
@mrsctb7 (120)
• United States
14 Jul 09
We used to have a Smooth Chow, and my family tells me that she "cried" the whole time I was ever gone from the house. It didn't matter that her original owner was with her (my husband), because she just wouldn't stop until I came home. I wonder it some way you could record your voice to soothe her?
• United States
14 Jul 09
ha ha I soooo do believe it! The big pillow I was telling you about....lol yes it was gutted as well about a month or so ago and I am still finding little hidden fuzz balls. It is a separation anxiety issue and definitely sounds like he is bonded with you the most. I had 6 dogs and my pit had pups that are 7 weeks today, but we had to put her down because she became ill..she was able to get them through most of the nursing process. Needless to say they all keep each other busy for now until we find new homes for the babies. The only other thing I can suggest is the family to keep talking to him and reassuring him that it's ok and that you will be back. Maybe researching separation anxiety issues in dogs will help as well or type in separation anxiety in _______ with the blank representing the breed of your dog. I hope that made sense.
@mrsctb7 (120)
• United States
14 Jul 09
Since dogs are "pack animals", your dog is probably crying for some kind of companionship. Maybe some toys would help ...... There is one called a Kong. You can put peanut butter inside it ..... that is just one way of giving him (or her) something to "solve". Putting them in their kennel most times solves the problem, because it's like going into their own room. Maybe check out the Purina site for ideas, or Dogster. I hope this helps.
• United States
14 Jul 09
yeah he has another big dog 4 puppies 3 cats and a bunny, not to mention a ton of toys...lol lonely he is not
@eggnog (46)
• Philippines
15 Jul 09
Its a big problem for you and for your neiborhoods, better to give your dog to your other friend.